Been there, done that

Lady Icer trip about more than wins and losses

In sports, it is not always the facts and figures, the wins and losses that determine the impact an experience had on a team. The Penn State Lady Icers will be the first to say they returned home Sunday from the All-East Regional Club Championship Tournament with a better picture of where they stand as a program, and where they would like to be in the coming years.

The Icers entered tournament play in Potsdam, N.Y., as obvious underdogs, playing against programs that have been established for several years and some of which plan to become varsity squads in the near future. Finishing with a 1-2 record, including a 10-0 walloping of Syracuse Friday night, Icer coach Jessica Ferrer was pleased with the overall effort given by the team.

Like a sponge, the Icers tried to absorb as much as they could from the big-time tournament atmosphere. When they first arrived the Icers sat down and watched the Univeristy of Massachusetts-Trinity contest, the two teams they would face Saturday. Ferrer and the rest of the coaching staff used this trip to analyze teams critically, showing the Icers how other schools use a more physical brand of hockey to their advantage.

"The fact that some of the girls stuck around and watched other teams was a positive," Ferrer said. "There was always something to see, something to learn, something to experience."

The competition the Icers faced gave them an indication of the level of intensity and skill that top-notch programs play with. In order for the Penn State women's ice hockey program to become one of the elite club teams in the East, the Icers feel they need to keep playing quality opponents.

"Those were really good teams we played against," forward Anne Leone said. "They passed well and played well as a team, their skills were way more developed. I hope we go back to that tournament every year. That's the only way we are going to get better."

Leone went on to say it was difficult this year to grow together as a team because of poor attendance at practices. Ferrer, being a former women's hockey player at Boston University, can sympathize with the academic and athletic demands put on student-athletes. Nonetheless, a consistent roster at practice and in games is something next year's coaching staff would like to improve upon.

"One thing that sticks out is the dedication factor," Ferrer said. "For us to have more success next year we need to have set lines so the girls can learn to play with each other, and get a feel for one another."